Teri-K’s Comments (group member since May 03, 2016)

Teri-K’s comments from the Reading the Detectives group.

Judy wrote: "I'm another one who can't visualise the complicated methods of murder. I thought I remembered from first time around that the shooting was somehow set off by fetching the box of cigarettes, but I d..."

I had confused it with an episode of Monk where the arm of a phonograph is used to set things going. So many different murder scenarios are rolling around in my head...

Susan in NC wrote: "So as much of a mystery buff as I am, certain GA writers are on my no go list, that seems to be the only type of mysteries they wrote! I reread Heyer’s mysteries for the quirky characters and humor"

I'm like that, too. I mostly read mysteries because they have to have a plot that makes some kind of sense. I'll do a quick visualization of what they're saying, then it's on to the characters again. I've occasionally objected to an absolutely ridiculous solution, but generally I just want them to catch the baddie and get back to the interesting people.

Sandy wrote: "I am over halfway through and still don't remember the murderer though I have suspicions. It will be hard to take any credit if I am right as it is a re-read so I should know who did it."

I often reread mysteries, and often I don't remember or I'm not sure who did it. Sometimes I'm completely surprised! So I say take credit for it if you guess right, and give that memory a pat on the back. lol

Rosina wrote: "I am not a lawyer, but since Wally didn't have the money at the time, and would only have had a legal claim if the aunt died intestate, then I think the law will just take the simple step of identi..."

Yes, your first part makes sense. And the second question is fascinating, isn't it? I suspect they'd get the money, as not having been convicted of anything in terms of the crime. Thanks for helping me clarify it in my mind.

Rosina wrote: "I think that (unless he also killed the old lady) there would be no problem with the inheritance. If he's dead/executed before her death..."

Since it's one step removed you think it probably wouldn't change anything? I can see that, though it feels morally wrong somehow. I'm fine with the idea of Janet and Alan getting the money - at least she and the tea planter will probably do something sensible with it. lol

I just finished this - it was so fun. My only complaint is that it took too long for them to call in Inspector Hemingway. The previous detective was fine but not nearly as entertaining.

I also really enjoyed Hugh's father's pleasure at his son wanting his opinion, as well as his mother's machinations about getting a ride in the car. It was amusing and realistic. I can feel these two people understanding that their world is changing and their son is grown up but occasionally struggling with the reality of it. I appreciate how Heyer grounds her stories in the real feelings people have. I'm pleased with how everyone paired off, I think they're each well matched.

I did wonder about who will inherit the old ladies' money. I know a criminal can't profit from their crime, but can his children? Or will it go to somebody else?

Judy wrote: "After enjoying the humour of Vicky and Hugh, I'm wondering if one of our Heyer experts can recommend one of her romance books with similarly appealing characters?..."

I agree with the recommendations you've gotten so far, all three of them immediately popped into my mind when I read your request. I'll throw in a few more to keep you busy.

You will probably enjoy Amanda from Sprig Muslin, a young headstrong girl who is spoiled and willful but not mean. The Unfinished Clue is another mystery with a crazy cast, including an over-the-top cabaret dancer. That's one house party that would give me a headache for sure! In Behold, Here's Poison a grouchy old man lives with his penny-pinching unmarried sister plus a vacuous, dramatic, widowed sister-in-law.

And I have to put in a plug for my top favorite Heyers, along with The Grand Sophy - The Unknown Ajax and Frederica. They don't contain silly or dramatic characters, but they are very lovable, Just thinking of Hugh from Ajax makes me smile. (Actually, he's a bit like Vicky - very bright and using his smarts to maneuver some of the folks around him. But they're quite different people.) Frederica herself is charming, plus she has the care of two lively young boys, and those Baluchistan hounds. lol

Jackie wrote: "My previous comment is kind of the main thing about Vicky: you start by seeing her as outrageous, as described by Mary to Hugh, begin to see the comedy in her dress/speech/actions, and eventually c..."

That's a great observation, about how we judge her based on the eyes we see her through, until we meet some ourselves and can draw our own conclusions.

At first I though she'd make a terrible wife for Hugh, but actually she's smart enough to match him there and he seems to like the challenge of figuring her out and keeping up with her. I think he would have been bored with Mary, clearly he likes someone more lively. And I don't think Vicky will always be play acting, but she'll always be doing interesting things and working for people or causes she believes in. With occasional costume changes and roles thrown in when they suit her needs. lol

Judy wrote: "The further into the book I get, the more I love Vicky. I'm even thinking I wouldn't mind her living next door now."

She'd be great as a neighbor, I'd have fun watching how she was dressed and trying to guess what she was up to, I agree. And I love that she's theatrical, but smart and insightful. Not an airhead at all, though she might try to come across as one sometimes.

I read about half of this last night. I didn't remember who did the murder or how till it happened, then it came back to me. It's very distinctive, isn't it? Not your usual sort of poison in the teacup. I also remember a couple of twists coming up, but I'm pretty sure I don't remember them all.

Ermyntrude is fun to read about, as is Vicky, though I wouldn't enjoy spending much time with them in real life. I really like Hugh and his parents, his mother is enjoying the spectacle while maneuvering for a new hospital, and his father seems long-suffering but game. Hugh and his mother seem to share that ability to remain detached from others while being amused by them.

Behold, Here's Poison is another Heyer mystery I love to read but full of people I wouldn't want to spend a lot of time with IRL. lol

I've not read any of these before, but I don't mind joining a series in progress - it used to happen a lot when I depended on physical library books. I plan to start this one pretty soon.

I have read this one several times and look forward to revisiting it. I should start reading it in a day or so.

Carolien wrote: "Susan, I have not looked at the Corinna Chapman series, but they look like fun. They are horrendously expensive as ebooks, but I do have a husband who is currently working in Australia and, having ..."

If you have access to Audible, the narrator is very good and I've enjoyed listening to the series several times. They're kind of quirky, sometimes amusing and full of fascinating characters.

Susan wrote: "I finished Lament for a Maker yesterday too (rather pleasantly, sitting by the river in Oxford, while my children were punting with their cousins). Not sure I am really getting any further with Mic..."

I finally gave up on Innes. I only liked one of four that I read. Struggle is a good way to describe how I felt, too.

Lady Clementina wrote: It's a fun one- a touch silly but fun and there is a mystery element as well if I remember right "

There is a mystery, but it's much more "innocent young thing gets involved in international conspiracy". I really enjoyed it. You're right to call it fun - not a book to take seriously. Yet I was worried about our heroine a time or two.


I also loved the first timer's view of Baghdad and a dig. Christie, with her background, made that very real and quite interesting. All in all a good read. Reminded me of Helen McInnes, though lighter.

I'm reading Christie's They Came to Baghdad. It seems to be a spy novel, not a mystery, but I'm really enjoying it so far. Lots of interesting people coming together...

Paperbackreader wrote: "Most of the bell ringing stuff in The Nine Tailors is flying over my head. I am probably not paying as much attention it though, as it has been a rather busy few weeks.
..."

That's one of the great things about reading, isn't it? You can skim some parts and linger over others. I skip sex scenes, myself.

Back when I was handbell ringing I was asked to give a talk on the history of it at a conference and I used some of Nine Tailors in my talk. It went over quite well and I met some other mystery readers in the bargain. The descriptions are historically accurate and detailed. But not essential to the plot, thankfully for those who aren't interested. :)

Paperbackreader wrote: "Since I seem to prefer Ngaio Marsh books in audio book form, I am trying to see if it is the same with Dorothy L. Sayers. I was not much impressed with Clouds of Witness. Am trying [b..."

I think some Sayers are much better than others. I like Gaudy Night, Strong Poison, Busman's Honeymoon, Murder must Advertise, Clouds of Witness (mixed feelings about this one), Nine Tailors (but I used to be a bell ringer and that helps). Some of the others are better after you've developed a taste for Whimsey.

It is interesting to see how he evolves in the books. He's an idiot in the early ones. I actually like Harriet, Parker and Miss Climpson better than Peter.

Elinor wrote: "Yes ! You can find it here : https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/..."

Thanks! I've joined the group and look forward to reading along with you and the others.

Elinor wrote: "I'm going to read Bleak House a few chapters a month, Victorian-style, with another group made especially for this readalong..."

Is it a GR group doing that read-along? I'd love to try something like that.